FFSA Competition Rules and Regulations. Amended, Updated and Implemented

Transcription

1 FFSA Competition Rules and Regulations Amended, Updated and Implemented As of January 2019

2 Page 2 of 44 Table of Content Page No A. Definitions 5 1. Team Names 5 2. Nomination Form 6 3. Financial Obligations 6 4. Club Colours & Playing Strip Insurance 8 6. Clubs to Field Teams 8 7. School Football 8 8. Player/Club Relations 9 9. Termination of Professional Player Contracts Suspension of Players by Clubs Appeals Ground Registrations Ground Facilities & Club Signage Facilities/Ground Arrangements Installation of Goals Use of Line Marking Substance Change of Grounds Match Venue Marking Field of Play Use of Club Grounds Laws of the Game Control of Competitions and Matches Ground Stewards Medical Requirements Unauthorised Matches and Tours Match Results Inducements Match Result Protests Disturbances Abandoned Matches Walk Offs Abandoned Matches & Walk offs - Penalties Postponed Matches Inability to field teams Match Officials Competitions Competitions - Leagues Withdrawal of Teams Fixtures and Match Forfeits Team Sheets and Match Reports Match Balls Players Bleeding and Concussion Guidelines Substitution of Players Interchange of Players Interchange Procedure Gate Takings Prize Money League Points Goal difference Casual Vacancies in Competitions Promotion and Relegation - League Competitions 24

3 51. Number of Teams Promoted & Relegated Qualification for Promotion & Relegation Admission to Competitions Organised or Sanctioned by FFSA Register of Clubs Annual Returns Register of Team Officials Coaches Registration Fee Change in Registration Information Register of Players Registration Procedure Unregistered, Ineligible and Suspended Players Ring-ins (Playing players under assumed or false names) Visa Players and Guest Players Registers Prima Facie Evidence Status of Players Amateur and Professional Juniors National Training Centre (NTC) Squad Permission to interview Offers to players New Contracts with Professionals Compensation, Training Fees and Solidarity Contribution Registration of Match Officials Disciplinary Provisions Disciplinary and Grievance Provisions Mandatory Match Suspensions for Minor Infringements Expulsion of Team Official Mandatory Match Suspensions for Serious Infringements Suspensions Identity of Offender Disciplinary Committee Procedure at Hearings Appeals from Disciplinary Committee Reports of Contravention of Rules and Regulations Action on reports Scale of Penalties Aiding, Abetting and Attempts Contravention by Clubs and their officers Offences Expulsion disqualification and suspension of Clubs and Affiliated Associations Penalties Bonds Hearing and Grievance Resolution Powers of Committee Constitution of Tribunals National and State Representative Teams Enforcement of Rules Rules of FIFA and the FFA Extreme Weather Policy 39 Appendix 1 Recommended Sanctions for Serious Infringement 40 Appendix 2 Club Incident Form 41 Appendix 3 Ground Steward Incident Form 42 Appendix 4 Match Officials Fees Page 3 of 44

4 A. DEFINITIONS In these Regulations: The CEO means the Chief Executive Officer employed by the Football Federation South Australia (FFSA). The Competition means all games and tournaments that are played by the Clubs that are organised and sanctioned by the FFSA. The Clubs means all clubs playing football at either the Elite level or Amateur Level, which shall include Open Age, Male & Female, Junior Boys & Girls competitions or any other league or Cup Competitions organised and sanctioned by FFSA. Association means an Affiliated Association. The Football Federation of South Australia means the governing body of the sport in South Australia and is referred to as FFSA. The Federation means FFSA. The Football Federation of Australia means the governing body of the sport in Australia and is referred to as FFA. The Tribunal means a committee or sub-committee appointed by FFSA. Match officials means the Referees, Assistant Referees, Referees inspectors and match stewards. Registered Club officials means the persons registered under the rules and regulations as being officers of the Club. Prescribed officials of the FFSA means Board members and administrative officers of FFSA and such other persons as the Board may from time to time appoint. Rules means the rules contained in the FFSA Rules and Regulations and related policies and guidelines. 1. Team Names (1) Each Club shall register its Team Name and logo with FFSA. (2) No Club shall register or use any Team Name or logo which has not been approved by FFSA. (3) All teams of a Club shall use and be known by the Club's registered Team Name. (4) The Team Name and logo must be in accordance with the FFA National Club Identity Policy. (5) Any Club which in the opinion of FFSA has a Team Name or logo which does not comply with the preceding Clause shall change its Team Name or logo within two (2) calendar months of being requested to do so by FFSA. Page 4 of 44

5 2. Nomination Form (1) Each Club shall nominate to participate in competitions conducted by FFSA on the prescribed form as required and provided by FFSA. (2) Once the nomination form is submitted, if a club makes any changes to the information contained on the form, any changes must be immediately notified to the competition administrator. (3) All new clubs are required to complete the Football Federation Australia (FFA) Application for Registration of Football Club Prescribed Form NRR02. This form must be completed and submitted with any required nomination form. 3. Financial Obligations (1) Each club and affiliated association shall abide by FFSA financial obligations as determined by FFSA. Notification of the fees to be paid by clubs will be provided on an annual basis. (2) All membership fees and any outstanding accounts due to FFSA shall be paid within 30 days of invoicing or as stipulated by FFSA. (3) No teams or players will be permitted to be registered unless the club and affiliated association are financial. (4) Failure to adhere to Rule 2 will result in a club being sent a reminder notice to settle the account. (5) A club that fails to settle the account within 60 days from the invoice date ( the default date ) will incur a debtor management fee ( the fee ): The fee will be calculated as a one-off fee, being 10% of the invoices total value unpaid after 60 days. If a club anticipates that it will have difficulty paying the account with in the 60 day period then a payment arrangement may be negotiated with the FFSA SUBJECT TO: I. The request for payment arrangement being agreed to by FFSA prior to the default date II. The club agreeing to the payment arrangement being a direct debit from their nominated bank account Page 5 of 44 NOTE: If the club falls into arrears with its payment arrangement then the debtor management fee will be immediately applied and will be calculated from the default date. (6) At the time the debtor management fee is applied, FFSA will issue a 21-day notice to settle the outstanding account (including Debtor Management Fee). If the club fails to pay the amount within 21days, 3 competition points will be deducted from the clubs most senior side. In addition, any games played whilst the account remains unpaid will be for no competition points. (7) If at the end of a season a team has been promoted but the club has not paid all amounts owing to FFSA by 31 October of each year, the team shall not be promoted. (8) If the deduction of any points under Rule 5 results in a team or teams being relegated, the relegation will stand even if the outstanding monies are subsequently paid.

6 4. Club Colours and Playing Strip (1) All Clubs shall register their playing strip with FFSA. (2) Each Club shall register its colours, logo and the design of its first choice playing strip and its alternative playing strip with FFSA including a photograph of each of the full playing strips. (d) (e) (f) The alternative playing strip shall be of a different colour to the home team playing strip, to avoid a clash between the home and visiting teams. A club s alternative playing strip must include a change of colour for shirts, shorts and socks. Where possible the club should have one light coloured strip and one dark coloured strip. If a club intends to have a third playing strip, this must be registered with FFSA. The registration of Club playing strips shall be subject to the prior approval of the FFSA. Priority of registration shall determine the exclusive right to wear the playing strip. Any Club intending to make changes to its playing strips including the colours or design shall apply to FFSA giving full details of the proposed new strips or alterations. FFSA shall refuse its approval if in the opinion of the Competition Administrator the proposed new, or changed, playing strip is not sufficiently different from that of any other Club. (3) Playing strips must be numbered on the back of the shirt with each shirt displaying a different number. As a guide each number should be 25cm to 35cm in height and 3cm to 5cm in thickness. (4) If required by FFSA, Clubs playing in any competition shall wear on their playing strips the name, logo, emblem or other mark of any sponsor of FFSA or the competition. (d) The logo of FFSA is to be placed on the playing shirt of all teams that compete in FFSA Competitions. The logo is to be placed on the shirt in accordance with the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. Where the Competition Operating Regulations do not specify, the FFSA logo is to be placed on the breast of the shirt or the left sleeve and is to be 60mm x 60mm in size. The only logos to appear on the playing shirts of the players, including the goalkeeper shirt, are to be the FFSA logo, club logo and competition and/or sponsor logos as outlined by FFSA. Any sponsorship logos placed on junior playing strips must be age appropriate. For example, logos advertising gambling or alcohol is not permitted. (5) The goalkeeper's shirts or uniforms must be clearly distinguishable from, and not contain any of the basic colours of, the playing shirt of the other players of their team or the opposing team. The goalkeeper may wear shorts and socks of the same colour and design as his own team. Page 6 of 44 (6) Clubs which are not playing at home shall take their first choice and their alternative playing strips to the ground where the match will be played.

7 (7) If, in the opinion of the Match Official of any match, the uniforms of the teams or goalkeepers taking part are not sufficiently different, the Match Official shall direct the away team, or the goalkeeper of the away team as the case may be, to change to the nominated alternative playing strip or to make such other change as the Match Official may consider appropriate for the match; no direction under this clause shall affect the right of the home team to play in its registered uniform. (8) A Club in breach of Clause 4 (1) (5) shall be issued with a Level 2 Fine (refer to the relevant Competition Operating Regulations for fines). A forfeit penalty and a level 2 fine will be imposed for breach of the following rules: (i) (ii) a Competition Fixture does not commence due to an inability to resolve a clash of strips, and it can be established that such Club or Team did not comply with Rule 4(7). a Club changed their playing strip without notifying FFSA five (5) days prior to the competition fixture and FFSA endorsed the use of the playing strip and the change results in a Competition Fixture being postponed as a result of a strip clash. 5. Insurance (1) All clubs shall ensure at all times they have all of the necessary insurance cover for their club. All clubs must ensure they have current public liability, personal accident insurance, directors and officer s insurance policies and other insurance coverage as FFSA may prescribe from time to time. If the insurance cover is not provided through FFSA, the onus is on the club to ensure they have the required insurance cover. Failure to comply may result in the club s deregistration by FFSA. (2) FFSA will provide personal accident insurance and other types of insurances as determined on a year by year basis to clubs as part of their membership application and registration. This personal accident insurance will cover all players and club officials including club volunteers. (3) FFSA will provide details of each of the insurance policies to clubs on an annual basis. This information will also provide details on how a club or individual person may make an insurance claim. 6. Clubs to Field Teams (1) All clubs that field a team/s in a FFSA Competition, the team and club agree to abide by FFA Statutes, including the National Registration Regulations, National Disciplinary Regulations, National Code of Conduct, Grievance Resolution Regulations and all related FFSA Rules, Regulations and Competition Operating Regulations. (2) The National Training Centre (NTC) squads and FFSA Development Squads may enter team/s into the competitions on approval of FFSA. 7. School Football Where a junior player is selected to play for a school team the player shall have a first obligation to play in his or her school team except where the player is a registered professional player and is selected to play for his or her Club. Page 7 of 44

8 8. Player/Club Relations (1) Each club shall inform and make available to all players copies of; FIFA laws of the game; FFA and FFSA Rules and Regulations, Policies and Procedures and Codes of Conduct; the club rules and regulations, policies and procedures and codes of conducts; any agreement entered with the player. 9. Termination of Professional Player Contracts Refer to FFA National Registration Regulations here. 10. Suspension of Players by Clubs Refer to FFA National Registration Regulations here. 11. Appeals Refer to FFA Grievance Resolution Regulations and FFSA Disciplinary and Grievance Regulations. GROUNDS 12. Ground Registrations (1) All Clubs shall register their playing grounds with FFSA. (2) Clubs must be committed to the development of their grounds and facilities and must fulfil the minimum standards as required by FFSA to compete in the relevant competition. FFSA at its discretion may provide a specific timeframe for clubs to fulfil the ground requirements. (3) All grounds may be inspected annually and FFSA will notify Clubs no later than the 30 th day of November of each year, where possible, of any deficiencies at the club's ground that must be remedied before the commencement of the next league season. (4) FFSA shall require any Club that does not remedy any deficiency specified in a notice at least 30 days before the commencement of the league season to play its home matches at the ground of another club as approved by FFSA until the deficiencies have been remedied and the ground has been inspected and passed by FFSA. (5) If a club does not meet the ground criteria requirements of the relevant competition, FFSA may direct the club to play at an alternative venue approved by FFSA or not permit entry into the competition. 13. Ground Facilities & Club Signage Clubs and affiliated associations should provide appropriate and suitable playing facilities to a minimum standard. FFSA has set minimum facility requirements for all Senior Men s Competitions and Elite Women s Competitions. Please refer to the minimum standards relating to these competitions available on the FFSA website. Page 8 of 44

9 (1) A maximum of ten (10) people shall be permitted in their team s technical area unless otherwise specified in the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. This includes five (5) registered team officials and no more than five (5) substitute players. No team official is permitted to be in the technical area unless they have registered in the FFSA Registration System. (2) Clubs shall prominently display appropriate signage: on spectator fences surrounding the field of play, stating that it is an offence for unauthorised persons to be inside the fence; (d) on the entrance to all dressing rooms, stating that it is an offence for unauthorised persons to enter the dressing rooms; and indicating the location of the First Aid areas for players, officials and the general public during training and competitions. to promote FFSA and such Sponsors as FFSA may determine from time to time. Any club who breaches the signage rules shall be subject to a Level 2 fine. Any club who breaches the sponsor s signage rules may incur a loss of league points and be subject to a Level 4 fine minimum. 14. Facilities and Ground Arrangements (1) Each Club must ensure that it complies fully with the criteria set out below; Any club which does not meet the minimum criteria for each relevant competition will not be eligible for entry or promotion into that competition in accordance with the relevant Competition Operating Regulations Clubs that do not comply with these criteria by 30 November of each season will not be eligible for promotion into a higher-grade competition; FFSA may grant special dispensation to clubs who are in the process of upgrading their facilities in accordance with FFSA's requirements however this will be at the discretion of the FFSA and in a timely manner so that all requirements are fulfilled prior to the commencement of any season. 15. Installation of Goals It is the responsibility of all clubs to ensure they provide a safe environment for their participants. To minimise risk and to prevent Injury, football goals are to be constructed and installed to the correct safety standards. The main areas of concern are: (1) Construction of goal frames for either fixed or portable use; Securing and stability of the goal frame; Securing of the net to both the goal frame and the ground; The net. Page 9 of 44

10 (2) Fixed Football Goals All football goals installed as a permanent structure on a football field must be properly secured, installed at the regulation width and height, as per the Laws of the Game, and should have no sharp edges protruding that may cause injury. (3) Portable Football Goals If a Club uses portable goals for training or competition, it must ensure that these goals conform to the current Standards Australia Handbook HB for "Portable Football Goalposts Manufacture, use and storage". The manufacturer of portable goals should provide the Club with a certificate of conformity. All portable goals must carry a goal post warning sticker. These stickers and further information can be obtained from FFSA. 16. Use of Line Marking Substance (1) As a general rule and which should form part of a Club's Tenancy Agreement with the Local Council, pesticides, herbicides and other products such as `Round Up', can be harmful to a person's health and may cause damage to the playing surface and therefore are not to be used under any circumstances. (2) Products such as agricultural limestone, or water-based spray paint or other similar material which will not endanger ground users or damage turf grasses are the substances that should only be used for line marking. All clubs should ensure they consult with their local council relating to permitted substances to be used in the marking of fields. (3) To ensure the safety of all players, match officials and spectators, any club found to be in breach of these requirements, will not be able to play any home matches until the breach has been rectified or FFSA grants dispensation from these requirements. Penalty (4) Any home club whose match is postponed/abandoned due to the use of prohibited substances for marking their grounds (as above), will forfeit the match to the opposing team with a three (3) goals to nil (0) score line being recorded. The Home Club will also incur a forfeit fine as outlined in the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. For more information on required ground facilities refer to the relevant FFSA Competition Operating Regulations. 17. Change of Grounds (1) No Club shall change its playing ground without the permission of FFSA. (2) Any Club which desires to change its ground shall apply to FFSA giving full particulars of the proposed new ground. All requests for changes of grounds are subject to approval by FFSA in accordance with the minimum ground requirements of the competition. Page 10 of 44

11 18. Match Venue The venue of any match shall not be changed by the competing Clubs without the prior permission of the Competition Administrator. 19. Marking Field of Play (1) Each Club shall keep and maintain its grounds in the best possible condition. (2) The Club on whose ground a match is to be played shall mark and equip the field of play in accordance with the Laws of the Game and shall re-mark the field of play during the interval if so directed by the Referee. Penalty If a game is not played due to the match official determining the field is not marked according to the Laws of the Game, the host team will forfeit the game three (3) goals to nil (0) and incur a forfeit fine in accordance with the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. The penalty may not be applied if FFSA determines that the marking of the field was outside of the control of the host club. Where a ground is not surrounded by a spectator fence, a boundary line shall be marked not less than one (1) metre from the sideline of the field on the opposite side to the Technical Areas. Spectators are only permitted to be on the side where the boundary line is marked. Any official, spectator or other person who enters within the boundary line shall be deemed to have entered the field of play. 20. Use of Club Grounds (1) FFSA may from time to time use the ground or grounds of any Club for any special match or matches except where such use is not permitted under the terms of a Club's lease of the ground. (2) In default of agreement, FFSA shall negotiate the amount to be paid to the Club for the use of its ground or grounds provided the amount shall not be less than the prescribed amount for an enclosed ground in good condition. (3) Where a match is played at a neutral venue, the teams involved in the match may be required to pay a ground hire fee. This fee will be set by the venue. Gate and canteen revenue will remain with the venue unless otherwise negotiated. 21. Laws of the Game All Football matches organised or authorised by FFSA or any affiliated associations and all matches played by any Club, Affiliated Association or any Affiliated Association shall be played under and in accordance with: Page 11 of 44 the Laws of the Game of Association Football as laid down by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and all additions, alterations and amendments thereto from time to time of which notice is given by the FFA and/or FFSA to Clubs, members and Affiliated Associations; and the Competition Rules and Regulations and related policies and Competition Operating Regulations of FFA and FFSA.

12 22. Control of Competitions and Matches (1) No person other than the participating players, team officials, match officials, and ground stewards shall be permitted inside the spectator fence or boundary line as per Clause 19 (2) while a match is in progress. (2) Each team shall provide at each match the required number of ground steward/s per team, in accordance with competition requirements. Please refer to relevant competition operating regulations. (3) No person other than the participating players, and the match officials shall enter the field of play while a match is in progress unless medical personnel are directed to enter the field of play by the match official in accordance with Clause 24. (4) Only the substitutes and registered team officials shall occupy their team's technical area. (5) No person shall coach a team from within the spectator fence or boundary line, other than the appointed coaches of the competing teams, who may coach their players from their clubs technical area. (6) In this Clause, a club's technical area means the area in front of the club's substitutes' bench plus one (1) meter on either side of the bench and extending to a distance one (1) metre from the touch line. (7) No person other than team members/officials shall enter the teams dressing rooms. No person other than the match officials shall enter the Match Official s dressing room except with the permission of the Match Official. 23. Ground Stewards (1) All teams must provide a minimum of one (1) person to act in the role of Ground Steward for all FFSA sanctioned games except in the case of FFSA Senior Men s First Grade and Reserve Grade Games, three (3) people from each team must be appointed to the role of Ground Steward. Prior to the commencement of each game, the Ground Steward/s are required to introduce themselves to the match official. (2) If the required number of ground stewards are not provided, the match official will not commence the game. If the game is unable to be commenced within the allotted time, 15 minutes after the nominated kick-off time, the match official will abandon the game. Process relating to abandonment of games will be implemented. Refer Clause 29. (3) Ground Stewards must be 18 years of age and over and are responsible for undertaking the following role: Ensure that only players and officials are within the technical areas; Accompany match officials on and off the field of play; Page 12 of 44

13 (d) (e) Ensure the FFA Spectator Code of Conduct is being implemented with THEIR OWN SUPPORTERS. If a spectator is not behaving in accordance to the FFA Spectator Code of Conduct, a Ground Steward may approach the person and remind him/her of the requirements; Assist Match Officials as requested; and Submit a written report to FFSA, where applicable, reporting any inappropriate behaviour. (4) Grounds Stewards should not at any time engage in any verbal or physical altercations. A Ground Steward may approach a person that is associated with THEIR CLUB and make a request to that person, however if this is not followed, the Ground Steward should submit a report to FFSA outlining the incident. All Ground Stewards are responsible for their OWN SPECTATORS, Ground Stewards should not become involved with the opposition spectators. If spectators from the opposing club are not behaving in accordance with the FFA Spectator Code of Conduct and no action is being taken by that clubs ground stewards, a report should be submitted to FFSA during normal business hours within 48 hours of the match to which the report relates. (5) While acting in the role of a Ground Steward, the person must not consume alcohol or smoke. (6) All reports must be submitted on the Ground Steward Report Template and shall be submitted to the FFSA during normal business hours within 48 hours of the match to which the report relates On receipt of the report, the relevant competition coordinator will determine what action is required. Please note that further information may be sought from the Ground Steward. (7) Once the report has been actioned and an outcome is known, this information will be provided to the Club that the ground steward represented. (8) Penalty Refer to the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. A sanction will be applied to a club that does not provide the required number of ground stewards and/or the ground stewards do not fulfil the role as outlined above when appointed. (9) The Disciplinary Committee has the discretionary power to require a club to allocate more Ground Stewards where the club has been reported for inappropriate behaviour. 24. Medical Requirements (1) Each Club shall ensure medical personnel are appointed and in attendance at games in accordance with the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. Where no requirements are stipulated, the club must have a person that holds a minimum of a senior first aid qualification in attendance. (2) No medical personnel shall enter the field of play except with the permission of the match official and for the purpose of attending an injured player. (3) Each club must ensure that an appropriate stretcher is available at the venue. A stretcher should only be used under the direction of qualified medical personnel. Page 13 of 44

14 (4) FFSA strongly encourages each Club to install a defibrillator at their venue/s. FFSA acknowledges this is a decision for the individual Club and will not be held responsible for any Club that does not install a defibrillator or maintain it in a state fit for purpose. 25. Unauthorised Matches and Tours (1) No Club, team or players from any Club shall take part in any match whether in the State of South Australia or elsewhere other than in competitions organised by FFSA unless the Club has first obtained the permission of FFSA in writing. (2) No Club or team or players from any Club shall take part in any pre-season trial or practice match against another club unless: (d) all players taking part in the match are registered with the Club for which they play or are on trial with that club. the match is played under and in accordance with the Laws of the Game and FFSA Rules, and Regulations and related policy guidelines and under the control of a registered match official, where applicable. each club taking part in the match prepares a detailed team sheet and submits it to the match official, where applicable at least 30 minutes prior to kick off. the team sheets are to be submitted to FFSA by the club or match official within 48 hours of the end of the match. (3) If club/team/player/official participates in an unauthorised match or in any match which contravenes sub-clause (1) or (2), the Club or individual shall be liable to such penalty as determined by FFSA or appointed committee. (4) Contravention of sub-clause (1) or (2) means that the club/team/player/official shall not be covered by insurance benefits provided through FFSA. 26. Match Results - Inducements No Club or official, player or member of any Club shall give or receive, or attempt to give or receive, any inducement to or from any person to wrongfully affect or influence the result of any match. Any Club who breaches this match rule shall be liable to such penalties as determined by FFSA or any appointed committee. 27. Match Result - Protests (1) Any protest against the result of a match shall be in writing and shall be submitted to FFSA within 48 hours of the end of the match to which the protest relates. Page 14 of 44 (2) No protest may be made with regard to a decision of a match official. The decision of the match official is a decision of fact. No admitted or proved error can lead to the questioning of the result of the match. (3) Protests shall be heard and determined by FFSA or such Committee or person as FFSA may appoint.

15 28. Disturbances (1) If any match is abandoned or terminated before the completion of the time specified in the Laws of the Game or the relevant competition regulations because of a disturbance involving players, officials or spectators, the case shall be referred to FFSA or such committee or person as it may appoint for determination. (2) Both clubs shall be responsible for taking all possible measures to ensure the orderly behaviour of the crowd and the safety of the match officials, players and the officials of the participating teams. (3) All Clubs and affiliated associations shall be responsible for the behaviour of their players, members and supporters whether at their home ground, at their opponent's ground or at a neutral ground. (4) If at any game, a club official or a spectator: (i) uses abusive, threatening or insulting language; (ii) interferes with a match official in any way; or (iii) enters the field of play, The match official may: (i) stop the game; and (ii) confer with the officials of the teams participating in the game; and (iii) require the exclusion of the official or spectator from the ground before re-starting the game. If after speaking with the club officials, and the game cannot be restarted due to the behaviour of the spectators or officials, the match official may abandon the game. (5) Where a match is abandoned or terminated under this rule or the match official stops a game under this rule, the match official shall include details of the matter in the match report. 29. Abandoned Matches (1) If any fixture is abandoned or terminated before the completion of the time specified in the Laws of the Game or relevant competition guidelines for any reason whatsoever, the Clubs whose teams took part in the fixture shall within 48 hours of the game submit a full report in writing to the Competition Administrator. Page 15 of 44 (2) FFSA or any appointed Disciplinary Committee shall have discretionary power to determine the outcome of any abandoned game. Where the abandonment of a game has occurred due to events outside of the control of the teams involved, the result of an abandoned match may stand as long as at least 75% of the game has been completed. (3) If a match is abandoned prior to or at half time all match officials will be entitled to receive 50% of their normal match fee. If the match is abandoned once the second half has commenced, all match officials will be entitled to receive a 100% of their normal match fee. If it is determined by FFSA that the result of the abandoned match will stand, then the match official will be entitled to receive a 100% of their normal match fee. (4) A yellow card issued during an abandoned match will be annulled if the match is replayed and upheld if the match is not replayed.

16 (5) A red card issued during an abandoned match will be upheld regardless of whether the match is replayed or not. (6) In accordance with the National Disciplinary Regulations clause 13.1, if a match is abandoned, cancelled or forfeited, a suspension is only considered to be served if the Team to which the suspended Participant belongs is not responsible for the conduct that led to the abandonment, cancellation of forfeiture. 30. Walk Offs No Club shall walk off or refuse to allow play to continue for the full duration of the time specified in the Laws of the Game or relevant Competition Operating Regulations. 31. Abandoned Matches and Walk offs - Penalties If any match is abandoned or terminated before the completion of the time specified in the Laws of the Game or relevant competition guidelines because of a disturbance involving players, officials or spectators for which a Club is responsible or because a team of a Club walks-off or refuses to allow play to continue: (1) Any points allocated for the match shall be forfeited to the Club's opponent which shall be deemed to have won the match by a score of three (3) goals to nil (0). If at the time of the abandonment or walk off, the opposing team is winning the game by a greater margin than three (3) goals, the score line at the time of the abandonment or walk off, will stand. (2) The Club and the players and officials of the Club shall be deemed guilty of serious misconduct and shall be liable to such further penalty as FFSA or the Committee it appoints to hear the matter may determine. 32. Postponed Matches (1) If a match is postponed because of the weather or any other cause over which the Clubs have no control or the teams are ordered to re-play a match, the match shall, if practicable, be played within seven (7) days of the original fixture for Senior Men s Competition or 14 days of the date of the original fixture for all other competitions or unless otherwise approved to by the Competition Administrator. (2) The match shall be played at a time and place agreed between the Clubs with the approval of the Competition Administrator. (3) Where a game has been postponed, the home team is required to notify the Competition Administrator within 48 hours of the postponed game, the date, time and venue of when the game will be played. Where the two clubs cannot agree to reschedule the game within the required timeframe, the Competition Administrator will; direct that the match be played at a time and place fixed by the Competition Administrator; or implement a forfeit result; or Class the game as a no played game. Page 16 of 44

17 (4) If a match is postponed prior to it being commenced, all match officials are entitled to receive an inconvenience fee of 25% of their normal match fee. This fee is only to be paid if the match officials are present at the ground when the match was postponed. 33. Inability to Field Teams (1) If a Club is unable to field a team because of illness or other exceptional circumstances beyond the control of the club; the Club may apply to the Competition Administrator for approval for the postponement of the match, and if the Competition Administrator approves the postponement of the match, the match shall be played at a time and place as sanctioned by FFSA in accordance with clause Match Officials (1) FFSA may establish a Match Officials Appointments Committee. This committee shall comprise of a minimum of three and a maximum of five people, which will include at least one person from the Competition Department as appointed by the FFSA. The appointments committee may allocate suitably qualified match officials to FFSA Sanctioned games as available. (2) All requests for match officials by clubs shall be made to the Competition Administrator at least five (5) business days prior to a game. (3) Payment conditions and any inconvenience fees related to trial and competition matches, postponed or abandoned matches for match officials shall be approved by FFSA prior to the commencement of each season. A detailed copy of the seasons match fees, method of payment shall be distributed to all relevant clubs and officials prior to the commencement of the season or related competition. (4) FFSA may support interstate exchange programs for match officials. (5) Nominations of match officials for interstate competitions and fixtures shall be made by FFSA, except for appointments made by FFA. (6) In the absence of match officials, refer to the relevant competition regulations. (7) FFSA may appoint Match Commissioners and/or request clubs to appoint a Referee Liaison Officer to games. Where this is required, FFSA will provide timely notification and information. 35. Competitions (1) All clubs and affiliated Associations registered with FFSA shall take part in all league competitions and such other special competitions as FFSA may determine from time to time. (2) No player shall play for more than one club in any competition, except where a player registration is transferred in accordance with FFA National Registration Regulations. Page 17 of 44

18 36. Competitions - Leagues (1) In each season, FFSA shall conduct such competitions including Men s, Women s and Junior Competitions. Final composition of league structures will be based on nominations received and subject to clubs meeting competition criteria. Competition Operating Regulations can be accessed here. FFSA will have the final determination on all competitions. 37. Withdrawal of Teams (1) If a Team is withdrawn before all teams have played each other once, all matches will be recorded as a no played game. All goal scorer statistics and referee votes gained in Competition Fixtures played involving the withdrawn Team will be removed. (2) If a Team is withdrawn after the point of the season at which all teams have played each other an equal number of times the following will apply: (d) all results will be retained; goals scored for and against will be retained; referee votes will be retained; a forfeit result of three (3) goals to nil (0) will apply to all remaining games. 38. Fixtures & Match Forfeits (1) FFSA shall prepare and publish lists of fixtures for the various games and tournaments organised by FFSA. (2) All matches in any competition shall be played on the dates and at the times fixed in FFSA's official list of fixtures unless abandoned or postponed by the match official in accordance with the Laws of the Game or changed in accordance with the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. FFSA has the authority to change dates and times of scheduled matches by giving reasonable notice. (3) Any Club whose team or teams fail to play or complete any league or cup match on the date and at the time fixed by FFSA shall; be deemed to be guilty of serious misconduct and any points allocated for the match shall be forfeited to the club's opponent which shall be deemed to have won the match by a score of three goals to nil or if the opposing team has won the game by three goals or greater, the score line will stand; and be fined the prescribed amount as stipulated in the relevant competition regulations; and be liable to such further penalties as the FFSA or the committee it appoints to hear the matter may determine. (4) Where a forfeit has been applied, the statistics of the club that did not forfeit the game, that being goal scorers and best and fairest votes will be retained. Red and yellow cards will be applied in accordance with the National Disciplinary Regulations. (5) If a fixture has been changed by the FFSA and notification is not provided to the match officials, who attend the fixture, the match official shall be entitled to 50% of their normal fee. Page 18 of 44

19 (6) If a club fails to notify FFSA of any changes to a fixture, this includes any changes to kick-off times, the club will forfeit the game, be fined the forfeit fee and will be required to compensate the match officials, if they attend the game, 50% of their normal fee. 39. Team Sheets & Match Reports (1) Each Club shall hand to the match official a completed team sheet in the format approved by FFSA. The team sheet is to contain the correct names and initials in block letters, the registered numbers and shirt numbers of the club's players taking part in the match, the club's nominated substitutes for the match and the names of the club coach, manager and ground stewards at least 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the game. No game is to commence prior to the match officials receiving the team sheets from both teams. A team will be deemed to have submitted an incomplete team sheet if they have not correctly provided the following details; FFA Numbers for all players; Shirt numbers for all players; Players correct name; (d) Team Officials; (e) Ground Stewards. Penalty Refer to the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. (2) If a situation occurs where a club may need to make an amendment to a team sheet that has already been submitted to the match official, a club official may approach the match official prior to the commencement of the game to make the amendment. Once the game has commenced no amendments will be permitted to the team sheet. Penalty - Refer to the relevant Competition Operating Regulations (3) Where a team participates in a competition that permits substitutions or interchange, the team must select 11 starting players and up to a maximum 5 substitutions. These players must be clearly identified in the relevant area of the team sheet as either starting or as a sub. No additional player can be selected as a starting player or a sub. A Club shall not play in any match a player who is not named on the team sheet for the match. Penalty The team will forfeit the game and will be issued with a fine Refer to the relevant Competition Operating Regulations (4) At the completion of each match, an official from each competing Club shall attend the match official s room and shall: Page 19 of 44 record on the team sheet any injuries to players of his or her Club; ensure goal scorers and any cautions or send off of players are correct; receive any reports of players; and

20 (d) Note: sign the team sheet. Players may not be entitled to accident insurance benefits if their injuries are not noted on the team sheet. (5) Once the club official has signed the team sheet, the match official shall enter the relevant information on the team sheets and submit them to the Competition Administrator as directed by FFSA. (6) The post mark on the envelope containing the team sheet shall be taken as proof of the time of dispatch. (7) Team Sheets and any related match reports from match officials, or clubs shall be submitted to the FFSA within 48 hours of the completion of the match. Fines and or disciplinary action may be imposed as determined by the FFSA Competition Administrator for late submission. 40. Match Balls (1) Before the start of each match in all competitions, or any other competition organised and sanctioned by FFSA, the home team shall present to the match official at least two (2) balls of a type and brand approved by the FFSA, 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the game (2) The match official shall select one (1) of the balls for use in the match. (3) The ball selected by the match official shall be used during the entire match unless it is lost, is not returned promptly after being kicked out of touch or becomes unfit for play. (4) The home team shall keep the second ball presented to the match official before the match at the substitute bench and shall supply it to the match official immediately upon request. (5) Penalty - Any club that breaches the match ball rule shall be subject to a Fine Refer to the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. 41. Players Bleeding and Concussion Guidelines If a player on the field of play is bleeding or has blood on his or her body or clothing the match official shall order the player to leave the field of play until the bleeding has stopped and any blood on the player's body or clothing has been removed. The player must be provided with a clean playing shirt free of blood prior to returning to the field of play. FFA Concussion Guidelines have been developed to provide guiding principles in relation to the management of concussion and return to play. The guidelines are of a general nature, individual treatment will depend on the facts and circumstances of the individual. 42. Substitution of Players Unless the Competition Rules, Competition Operating Regulations and or FFSA policies relating to a particular competition otherwise provide; Page 20 of 44

21 (1) A team may only use in a match, substitutes named on the team sheet. (2) Clubs shall not nominate more than five (5) substitutes on their team sheets. Refer to the relevant competition regulations for the number of players to be used. (3) Where a game goes into extra time, the team may use an additional substitute from their allocation of five. 43. Interchange of Players The rules, regulations and/or related policies and guidelines relating to a competition may permit the interchange of players where; (1) The players playing in the competition are junior players, or players participating in a masters/social competition or out of season trial games or events. In all cases refer to FFSA Competition Rules and Regulations and Competition Operating Regulations. 44. Interchange Procedure In matches where interchange is used, the following provisions shall apply: (1) An interchange zone shall be marked on the touch-line on one side of the field of play. (2) The interchange zone shall extend for one metre on either side of the halfway line and shall be marked by lines at right angles to the touch line off the field of play. (3) A team may only use an interchange player who is named on the team's team sheet. (4) A player nominated as an interchange player shall be subject to the authority and jurisdiction of the match official whether called upon to play or not, (5) An interchange may only be made at a stoppage of play and with the permission of the match official. (6) When making an interchange, the following conditions shall be observed: the player leaving the field shall do so by crossing over the interchange zone; (d) the player entering the field ("the interchange player") shall not enter the field until the player leaving the field has passed completely over the interchange zone; the interchange player shall enter the field by crossing over the interchange zone; when the interchange is complete, the interchange player becomes a player and the player who was replaced ceases to be a player. Page 21 of 44 (7) The number of interchanges that may be made during a match is unlimited; a player who has been replaced may return to the field by being interchanged for another player. (8) The match official shall caution any player who:

22 enters the field of play as an interchange player before the player being replaced has completely left the field; and leaves or enters the field from a place other than the interchange zone. 45. Gate Takings (1) Where appropriate FFSA shall fix the maximum admission charges and charges for season tickets for all competition matches conducted by FFSA. Refer to the relevant Competition Operating Regulations. 46. Prize Money (1) FFSA may allocate prize money for League, Cup and other competitions as determined on an annual basis. (2) FFSA shall announce the amount of the prize money for League, Cup and other competitions before the commencement of the competition. (3) Prize money shall be presented where possible within two (2) months of the conclusion of the competition for which it is awarded, subject to the club being financial with FFSA. 47. League Points (1) Subject to sub-clause (2), in competitions conducted on a league points basis, the number of points awarded to the teams shall be: for a win - three (3) points; for a draw - one (1) point; and for a loss - nil (0) points. (2) FFSA may provide in the rules, regulations or related policies and guidelines for any particular competition the manner in which points will be awarded in the competition. (3) Where two (2) or more teams have the same number of points, the standings of the teams will be determined by goal difference, the team with the better goal difference shall hold the higher position. 48. Goal difference (1) Goal difference shall be determined by subtracting the number of goals scored by and goals scored against the team. (2) Where two (2) or more teams have the same number of points, the team with the better goal difference shall be deemed to hold the higher position, as follows: the team with the higher positive goal difference shall be deemed to have the better goal difference; the team with a positive goal difference shall be deemed to have a better goal difference than a team with a negative goal difference; Page 22 of 44